EXCLUSIVE: Royal Enfield Shotgun Trademark Filed: Classic Cruiser Or A Bobber?

The trademark was applied just last week

• The Royal Enfield Shotgun could be the name of a sporty-looking bobber.
• Another possibility is Royal Enfield’s upcoming Classic-like looking 650cc bike.
• Expected to be launched next year.

Royal Enfield has applied for a trademark for the name ‘Royal Enfield Shotgun’. The trademark was filed just recently, April 20, to be precise. The status says ‘Formalities Chk Pass’, meaning the trademark application has been filed correctly. We reckon it will take time for approval as it is still in the preliminary stage. More importantly, what does it mean? Well, there are two possibilities:

A Sporty, Minimalistic 650cc Bobber?

There’s no denying the word ‘Shotgun’ exudes an aura of cool-ness. It is also a weapon that is powerful at short range. So with these two aspects in mind, we believe it could be the name of Royal Enfield’s upcoming 650cc bobber. 

It could be a stripped out, single-seater motorcycle -- perhaps with a larger rear sprocket for better low-end grunt. That said, the rest of the engine internals are likely to be the same as on the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 or the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Of course, the motorcycle will be based on the already-seen Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser, so expect its chassis and underpinnings to be shared. The bike could have a lowered handlebar for a slightly sportier stance and chopped front and rear fenders to differentiate it from the cruiser.

How About a More Classic-styled 650cc Bike?

Back in February this year, a 650cc test mule that looked quite similar to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 was spotted. Now with the Royal Enfield Shotgun in the picture, it could also be possible that the upcoming bike will take up this name, instead of the Royal Enfield Classic 650. 

That said, this theory is less likely to be probable as the ‘Classic’ name has a rich brand recall to it. So if Royal Enfield were to make a, umm, classic-style motorcycle, it’s likely to stick to Royal Enfield Classic 650 as it will be easily recognisable by its target audience. 

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Royal Enfield had ambitious plans of launching a new bike every quarter for the next seven years, but it looks like the ongoing second wave of the coronavirus pandemic will affect its schedule in one way or the other. Taking this into account, the cult bikemaker is likely to launch the Shotgun next year. It could be priced at around Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Images used are for representation.